Joe Ticheli was a staff assistant to Gillis Long from 1978 to 1985. He remained on the staff of Long's widow, Cathy, after Long's death. Gillis Long (1923-1985) was representative for the 8th U.S. Congressional District of Louisiana in 1963-1965 and 1973-1985. He ran unsuccessfully for governor of Louisiana in 1964 and 1971.